JoAnn Kimmel

JoAnn Gail Kimmel passed away on March 26, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 87 years old. A rosary and visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church (4600 Meredith Drive Des Moines, IA) with the funeral mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the mass at St. Mary’s parish hall. Interment will take place at 11:00 A.M., on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. 

JoAnn was born on July 6, 1937 in Perry, Iowa, to Ann and Jack Mummey. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Marshalltown, Iowa. She then went on to attend Marycrest College, and graduated from Drake University with a degree in education.

JoAnn married her husband, Frederick Kimmel of Washington, Iowa, on September 14, 1957. They enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, and attending sporting events together. They have one daughter, Karen (Kimmel) Hall, of Des Moines, Iowa.

JoAnn was a well-loved educator. Her love for learning, reading, and her strong faith in God were instilled in the many she taught throughout her 50 years of teaching in the Des Moines Diocese. JoAnn taught and was the assistant principal at All Saints School for 33 years, was the Talented and Gifted teacher and Religious Education director at St. Anthony School for years, and was the Religious Education director at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church for 11 years. She retired in 2009. She received a pin from the Bishop for serving in the Des Moines Diocese for 50 years. Joann remained in close contact with many of her former students and colleagues. Her impact on the many lives she touched will never be forgotten.

JoAnn enjoyed reading, gardening, birds, and doing word searches. Anyone who knew JoAnn knew how much she loved socializing! She loved telling stories, showing pictures, and sharing her family member’s accomplishments with others. She loved to cook and bake, especially for others! What JoAnn loved most was being with her family.

JoAnn is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 67 years, Frederick and their daughter, Karen (David) Hall; 4 grandchildren: Michael (Nicole) Hall, Travis Hall, Nichole (Matthew) Nelsen, and Rachael Hall; and 11 great-grandchildren: Kya, Baylee, Emilee, Ellie, Bryson, Evelyn, Mason, Corbin, Kennedy, Kendall, and Kenzzie, along with with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Jack Mummey.

JoAnn lived a faith-filled, purposeful, and loving life to her family, her church, and her students and is loved and will be missed by many!

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital for the care and compassion that they showed for our wife, mother, and grandma.